System and method for venting air from a computer casing

ABSTRACT

A vent for a computer enclosure is envisioned. The vent system has a fan, operable to draw a flow of air from within the enclosure and direct it out through an outlet vent disposed in a wall of the enclosure. The outlet vent is made of an outlet path. The outlet path is defined by a first and a second side member. The first and second side members are attached to the enclosure and form an environmental seal. The outlet vent also has an outlet face oriented at a first angle relative to the wall. A plurality of slats are rotatably coupled to the outlet face. The plurality of slats maintain a first position when the fan is not operating. When the fan goes into an operational mode and produces an airflow, the plurality of slats swing radially outward to a second position. The plurality of slats return to the first position when the airflow is not present. The angle of the slats in the first position is nearer to parallel to the first angle than when in the second position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/429,161, filed May 2, 2003. Related patents include U.S. Pat. Nos.6,702,665 and 6,951,513, which issued from applications filed the sameday as the above-mentioned application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed towards a venting system for a computerenclosure. More specifically, the invention is directed towards ventingsystem that dynamically allows and/or restricts the outflow path of airfor venting system.

BACKGROUND

Many computer systems have venting systems to allow a fan or otherenvironmental mechanism to output heated air to an external environment.Typically, a fan will draw air across electronic components found withinthe enclosure for the computer system. The heated electronic componentstransfer heat to the air as an airflow passes across the electroniccomponents. A fan or other environmental outlet mechanism draws theheated air to an aperture or vent disposed in the enclosure. The fanthen directs the heated air through the vent into the externalenvironment. All the while, the same outflow produces an inflow ofcooler air into the casing, and the process is repeated. Some systemscontain dynamic thermal regulation systems. When a sensor detectsincreased thermal parameters in the internal environment of theenclosure, the operational speed of the fan may be increased.Conversely, when a sensor detects decreased thermal parameters in theinternal environment of the enclosure, the operational speed of the fanmay be decreased.

In many systems, the vent is a grated structure disposed across theaperture in the wall of the enclosure. During periods with an increasedoutflow, the heated air may be obstructed by such a fixed structure. Thetotality of the heated air may not be able to be expelled through thevent, leading to inefficient heat transfer in the case.

In these same systems, the periods of low flow may also lead todecreased heat transfer. This might occur, as the pressure of theoutflow does not completely block the now-expelled heated air fromreentering the enclosure. Again, this may lead to inefficient heattransfer in the case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A vent for a computer enclosure is envisioned. The vent system has afan, operable to draw a flow of air from within the enclosure and directit out through an outlet vent disposed in a wall of the enclosure. Theoutlet vent is made of an outlet path. The outlet path is defined by afirst and a second side member. The first and second side members areattached to the enclosure and form an environmental seal. The outletvent also has an outlet face oriented at a first angle relative to thewall. A plurality of slats are rotatably coupled to the outlet face. Theplurality of slats maintain a first position when the fan is notoperating. When the fan goes into an operational mode and produces anairflow, the plurality of slats swing radially outward to a secondposition. The plurality of slats return to the first position when theairflow is not present. The angle of the slats in the first position isnearer to parallel to the first angle than when in the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of thepresent invention and, together with the detailed description, serve toexplain the principles and implementations of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of a computer enclosure and aventing system for such in enclosure, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram of another embodiment of thecomputer enclosure and a venting system for such an enclosure, inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram detailing an embodiment of the fan andvent assembly of FIG. 2 in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of the back of the vent assembly duringrest and used in conjunction with the enclosure of FIG. 2, in accordancewith the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram of the back of the vent assembly duringa time that the fan is operating and used in conjunction with theenclosure of FIG. 2, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the vent as depicted in FIG. 1, inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative orientation of the ventof FIG. 1, in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are side views of the vent apparatus of FIG. 6 duringrest and during operation of the fan, respectively, in accordance withthe invention.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b are side views of the vent system of FIG. 7 duringrest and during operation of the fan, respectively, in accordance withthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of a system and method for venting air from a computercasing are described herein in the context of an enclosure for thestorage and operation of electronic components having increased airflowcharacteristics. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize thatthe following detailed description of the present invention isillustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Otherembodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves tosuch skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Referencewill now be made in detail to implementations of the present inventionas illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same referenceindicators will be used throughout the drawings and the followingdetailed description to refer to the same or like parts.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of theimplementations described herein are shown and described. It will, ofcourse, be appreciated that in the development of any such actualimplementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madein order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliancewith application- and business-related constraints, and that thesespecific goals will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover,it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complexand time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking ofengineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure. In accordance with the present invention, thecomponents or structures may be implemented using various types ofitems.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of a computer enclosure and aventing system for such in enclosure, in accordance with the invention.A computer enclosure 10 has housing defined by an upper wall 12 and abottom wall 14. The upper wall 12 and the bottom wall 14 are attached toa rear wall 16. Also present, but not shown, the upper wall 12, thebottom wall 14, and the rear wall 16 are attached to two side walls. Insome enclosures, a front wall 18 is present. However, in some “rackmount” computer units, the front wall 18 may not be present. Electroniccomponents are disposed within the housing defined by the two sidewalls, the upper wall 12, the bottom wall 14, the rear wall 16, and theoptional front wall 18. Within the housing, the electronic componentsare protected from damage due from the external environment.

The two side walls, the upper wall 12, the bottom wall 14, the rear wall16, and the optional front wall 18 all impede the flow of air from theenvironment external to the housing into the housing, thus contributingto heat buildup in the housing. To alleviate the thermal problemsassociated with the housing, intake openings disposed in the walls.These openings, acting in coordination with a vent and with anenvironmental flow mechanism, such as a fan, provide a flow of coolerair from the external environment through the housing 10 a and acrossthe electronic components contained therein.

Disposed on the rear wall 16 is a vent 20. In practice, a fan, or otherenvironmental flow mechanism, is used to direct an airflow through theenclosure 10 a of the computer system. This airflow is expelled from theenclosure 10 a through the vent 20. A fan 22 directionally vents theairflow at an angle away from perpendicular to the rear wall 16.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the outlet airflow is depicted byan arrow 24. The outflow 24 is vented through a face 26 a of the vent 20a. In this manner, the outflow 24 is directed downwards and outwardsfrom the enclosure 10 a for the computer system.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram of another embodiment of thecomputer enclosure and a venting system for such an enclosure, inaccordance with the invention. The same structural features of the ventare present, but embedded within the construction of the enclosure 10 b.In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, an arrow 24 again depicts theoutlet airflow from the enclosure 10 b. The outflow 24 is vented througha vented face 26 b of the vent 20 b. Again, the outflow 24 is directeddownwards and outwards from the enclosure 10 b for the computer system.It should be noted that the structures depicted in all the Figures maybe interior to the enclosures, exterior to the enclosures, or partiallyinterior and partially exterior in nature.

Typically, the environmental flow mechanism 22 may be a fan. However,other flow mechanisms are known to those skilled in the art, and thisdisclosure should be read as to include them as well. Such art mayinclude such mechanisms as pumps, blowers, or any mechanism operable toproduce an environmental flow from within the enclosure to the exteriorenvironment. Further, the vent assembly and fan may be placed on anyexterior wall, and the inclusion of them on the rear wall should be forillustrative purposes. Additionally, only one fan and vent assembliesare shown in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2. It should be noted that any number ofthese fans and/or vents may be contemplated in the scope of thisdisclosure, as well as the placement of the fans and/or vents on orabout differing walls.

FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram detailing an embodiment of the fan andvent assembly of FIG. 2 in accordance with the invention. This diagramillustrates and highlights the relationship of the directional nature ofthe fan 22 with respect to the back wall 16. This diagram is providedwithout showing any structures covering the face of the vent 20 b, asthat relationship is diagramed and explained in succeeding portions ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of the back of the vent assembly duringrest and used in conjunction with the enclosure of FIG. 2, in accordancewith the invention. Covering the face 26 b of FIGS. 2 and 3 are slatstructures 30 b. The slats 30 b are made of roughly rectangularstructures that fit over the opening disposed in the wall of theenclosure. The rectangular portions block or impede a flow of air intoor out of the enclosure 10 b. The rectangular portions of the slats 30 brest in a first position in a steady state with no force being appliedon them.

The slats 30 b are attached to the vent face 26 b. The slats 30 b areattached in a rotatable manner, allowing the slats 30 b to rotate awayfrom the rear wall 16 when a force is applied from the direction of theinterior of the enclosure 10 b. Thus, when such a force is applied, therectangular portions of the slats 30 b rotate to a second position thatis more perpendicular to the plane of the rear wall 16 than as when theforce is not present. When such a force is removed, the slats 30 brotate back to their rest position, with the rectangular portions of theslats 30 b returning to the first position, that being at an angle moreparallel to the rear wall 16 than the second position.

When the fan is engaged, an output flow of air is directed from theinterior of the enclosure 10 b through an environmental opening 28. Thecombination of the action of the fan and the vent 20 b direct theairflow downwards and across the face of the slats 30 b. As such, theresulting outflow creates a force against the hanging slats 30 b,causing them to lift upwards and outwards in a radial manner.

With increased outflows from the interior of the enclosure 10 b throughthe environmental opening 28, the force directed on the slats 30 bcorrespondingly increases. This increased force results in the slats 30b lifting higher and more outward than they would be under a decreasedflow. As the outflow increases, the slats 30 b move out of the way andcreate less of an impediment to the outflow of air. Accordingly,increased outflows do not result in a “backwash” effect, wherein theoutflow is forced back into the enclosure.

With decreased outflows, the slats 30 b lower. The lower position of therectangular portions of the slats 30 b decrease the area available forexpelled air to reenter the enclosure 10 b after it has been expelled.Accordingly, decreased outflows do not result in a “reentry” effect,wherein the outflow can reenter the enclosure 10 b under a decreasedoutflow.

It should be noted that the assembly of FIGS. 2 and 3 direct the airflowin a downwards direction. One skilled in the art will recognize that adiffering orientation of outflow may be obtained in the upwardsdirection with little experimentation, and this disclosure should beread as including the upwards orientation herein.

FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram of the back of the vent during a timethat the fan is operating and used in conjunction with the enclosure ofFIG. 2, in accordance with the invention. The airflow produced by thefan is, in this case, directed downwards. The airflow impinges on therectangular portion of the slats 30 b. The resulting force lifts themaway from the rear wall 16, as depicted in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the vent as depicted in FIG. 1, inaccordance with the invention. The vent 20 a has a first support member32 a which is attached to the enclosure 10 a for the computing system.Not shown, a corresponding second support member is located opposite thefirst support member 32 a. The first support member 32 a and the secondsupport member (not shown), together with a structural member 34 form anoutlet path for the venting of air out of the enclosure 10 a for thecomputer system.

Shown in dashed lines, the vent 28 or other environmental opening isdisposed in the rear wall 16 of the enclosure 10 a for the computersystem. From the fan, an airflow from the interior of the enclosure 10 afor computer system is directed out of the environmental opening 28. Theairflow emanating from the environmental opening 28 is redirected by thesolid support member 32 a, the second support member (not shown), andthe structural member 34 in a specified direction. In this case, thethree members form an outlet path directed downwards. Of course, themembers 32 a and 34 need not end at the rear wall 16. They may continueinto the interior of the enclosure 10 a for the computer system, asdenoted in FIG. 1, in part or in whole.

The bottom edge 26 a of the outlet vent assembly 20 a has a plurality ofslats 30 a coupled to it. Again, the slats 30 a are rotatably coupled,allowing the slats 30 a to swing outwards upwards in response to anyairflow emanating from the enclosure 10 a for the computer system.

When the fan is engaged, an output flow of air is directed from theenvironmental opening 28. The combination of the structural member 34,the support member 32 a, and the other support member (not shown) directthe airflow downwards and across the face of the slats 30 a. As such,the resulting outflow creates a force against the hanging slats 30 a.This force causes the slats 30 a to lift upwards and outwards in aradial manner.

Like that described above, with increased outflows from theenvironmental opening 28, the force directed on the slats 30 acorrespondingly increases. This increased force from the outflow resultsin the slats 30 a lifting higher and more outward than they would beunder a decreased flow. As the outflow increases, the slats 30 a moveout of the way and create less of an impediment to the outflow of air.Accordingly, increased outflows do not result in a “backwash” effect,wherein the outflow is forced back into the enclosure 10 a of thecomputer system.

Again, with decreased outflows, the slats 30 a lower and decrease thearea available for expelled air to reenter. Accordingly, decreasedoutflows do not result in a “reentry” effect, wherein the outflow canreenter the enclosure 10 a of the computer system under a decreasedoutflow.

The bottom face 26 a of the outlet vent is disposed at an angle relativeto the wall of the enclosure 10 a to which it is disposed on. The slats30 a coupled to the bottom face 26 a assume a rest position when the fanis not operating. In the rest position, the rectangular portion of theslats 30 are oriented in an approximately vertical manner due togravity.

As described above, during operation of the fan, the slats 30 a swingoutwards from the vent face 26 a to assume a second position. Therectangular portions of the slats 30 a are oriented during operation ofthe fan at an angle nearer the perpendicular to the vent face 26 a thanthey assume during the rest position. Accordingly, the orientation ofthe slats 30 a move between being in the rest position and that of fulloperation based upon the level of flows emanating from the environmentalopening 28.

In an alternative embodiment, the vent face 26 a to which the slats 30 aare attached may be directed upwards. In this case, the air flowemanating out of the enclosure 10 a for the computer system is directedupwards, instead of downwards.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative orientation of the ventof FIG. 1, in accordance with the invention. Many of the same featuresof the embodiment of FIG. 6 are present, with the airflow being directedupwards instead of downwards. In this embodiment, the support member 32a and the other support (not shown) are substantially the same as thatdepicted in FIG. 2. In FIG. 7, the structural member 34 is located onthe downward face of the venting structure. The slats 30 a are arrangedon the upper face of the venting structure, allowing an upwards flow ofair out of the enclosure 10 a of the computer system.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the rest position of the slats 30a is at an angle substantially parallel to the angle that the upper face26 a is in relation to the rear wall 16 of the enclosure 10 a for thecomputer system. In this case, the slats 30 a lay substantially flat. Inone embodiment, they may lie one on top of another. Accordingly, therest position of the slats 30 a in the embodiment of FIG. 7 stronglyinhibits passage of an external environment through the slats 30 a andinto the enclosure 10 a of the computer system.

Again, during times when the fan is operating, the outflows from theenvironmental opening 28 impinge against the surface of the slats 30 a,causing them to raise upwards and allowing an escape path for theoutgoing air flows. During the time that the fan is operating, theposition in which the slats 30 a enjoy is dictated by the amount ofoutcoming airflow from the enclosure 10 a of the computer system.Typically during fan operation, the slats 30 a will be at an anglecloser to the perpendicular to the upper face than when at the restposition.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are side views of the vent apparatus of FIG. 6 duringrest and during operation of the fan, respectively, in accordance withthe invention. In both FIGS. 8 a, the environmental opening (not shownin FIGS. 8 a and 8 b) is disposed through the rear wall 16.

During periods of time characterized by no airflow from the interior ofthe enclosure, such as that depicted in FIG. 8 a, the slats 30 a aredisposed at an angle relative to that of the bottom edge of the supportnumber 24 a. In this case, the slats 30 a hang freely with the force ofgravity. It should be noted however that the angle at which the slats 30a rest relative to the support member 32 a may be altered through theuse of springs or mechanical devices.

FIG. 8 b is the side view of the same vent of FIG. 8 a during a periodof operation. During operation, airflow from the interior of theenclosure is expelled through the environmental opening disposed in theback wall 16. This airflow impinges upon the slats 30 a. The forcecreated by the outflow rotatably moves the slats 30 a into a secondposition, as shown in FIG. 8 b.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b are side views of the vent system of FIG. 7 duringrest and during operation of the fan, respectively, in accordance withthe invention. In FIG. 9 a, the fan or other flow mechanism is notoperating. No airflow is directed from the interior of the enclosurethrough the environmental opening disposed in the wall. Accordingly, theslats 30 a assume a position substantially equal to the edge of the ventstructure. However, in FIG. 9 b, the fan or flow mechanism isoperational and producing an airflow from the interior of the enclosureout through the environmental opening. The force of the airflow directedthrough environmental opening impinges upon the slats 30 a. The force ofthe outflow on the slats 30 a tends to move them in a rotational manneras depicted in FIG. 9 b.

It should be noted that the slats 30 are depicted with faces having arectangular construction. Other shapes of faces are known in the art,and should be considered as part of this disclosure.

Thus, a system and method for venting air from a computer casing isdescribed and illustrated. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatmany modifications and variations of the present invention are possiblewithout departing from the invention. Of course, the various featuresdepicted in each of the figures and the accompanying text may becombined together. Accordingly, it should be clearly understood that thepresent invention is not intended to be limited by the particularfeatures specifically described and illustrated in the drawings, but theconcept of the present invention is to be measured by the scope of theappended claims. It should be understood that various changes,substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as described by the appendedclaims that follow.

While embodiments and applications of this invention have been shown anddescribed, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure that many more modifications than mentionedabove are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein.The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spiritof the appended claims.

1. A computer enclosure comprising: a housing comprising opposed sidewalls, opposed upper and bottom walls, and opposed vertical front andrear walls; electronic components disposed within the housing: an outletvent structure disposed at the rear wall near said upper wall,comprising an outlet face, said outlet face oriented at a angle downwardand outward relative to the rear wall; a fan, operable to draw a flow ofair from within the housing and direct it non-perpendicularly relativeto the rear wall out through the outlet face; said outlet facecomprising a plurality of slats rotatably coupled to said outlet face,said plurality of slats being in a first position when said fan is notoperational, said plurality of slats operable to swing radially from thefirst position when said fan produces an airflow in said outlet vent,said plurality of slats returning due to gravity to the first positionwhen the airflow is not present.
 2. The computer enclosure of claim 1,wherein the computer enclosure comprises a plurality of the outlet ventstructures, each with a said outlet face, and a plurality of the fans,each said fan operable to draw air from within the housing and direct itnon-perpendicularly relative to the rear wall through a respective saidoutlet face of a respective said outlet vent structure.
 3. The computerenclosure of claim 1 wherein the outlet vent structure is disposed onthe exterior of the rear wall.
 4. The computer enclosure of claim 1wherein the outlet vent structure is disposed at least in part in theinterior of the enclosure.
 5. The computer enclosure of claim 1 whereinthe outlet vent structure is disposed within the enclosure.
 6. Acomputer enclosure for containing electronic modules, the enclosurecomprising: a housing comprising a plurality of walls, including anupper, a lower, a rear wall, and a plurality of side walls, the housingenclosing the electronic modules; a fan, operable to draw a flow of airfrom within the housing and direct it non-perpendicularly relative tothe rear wall out through an outlet vent structure disposed about therear wall; said outlet vent comprising an outlet path defined by a firstand second side member, attached to said one of said plurality of walls,an outlet face, attached to said side members, said outlet face orientedat a first angle non-perpendicular to the wall, and a plurality ofslats, rotatably coupled to said outlet face.
 7. The computer enclosureof claim 6 wherein the rear wall is vertical and the first angle isdirected downwards and outwards.
 8. The computer enclosure of claim 6wherein the rear wall is vertical and the first angle is directedupwards and outwards.
 9. The computer enclosure of claim 6 wherein saidoutlet vent is disposed on the exterior of the rear wall.
 10. Thecomputer enclosure of claim 6 wherein said outlet vent is disposed atleast in part in the interior of the housing.
 11. The computer enclosureof claim 6 wherein said outlet vent is disposed within the housing. 12.A computer enclosure comprising: a housing comprising a plurality ofwalls and enclosing electronic components of a computer; a fan, disposedwithin the housing, operable to draw an airflow from within theenclosure and direct it outward through an adjacent outlet ventstructure disposed about an upper portion of a rear wall of theenclosure; said outlet vent structure comprising an outlet face orientedat an oblique angle relative to the rear wall of the enclosure; saidoutlet vent structure comprising a plurality of slats at said outletface, said plurality of slats being in a substantially closed positionwhen said fan is not operating, said plurality of slats operable toswing radially to an open position due to the airflow when the fan isoperating, and said plurality of slats returning by gravity to saidsubstantially closed position when the airflow is not present.
 13. Thecomputer enclosure of claim 12 wherein airflow out the outlet face isobliquely downwards and outwards.
 14. The computer enclosure of claim 12wherein airflow out the outlet face is obliquely upwards and outwards.